Martin 11DCX2E-03 Acoustic-Electric Guitar: Full Review

The Martin 11DCX2E-03 is an acoustic-electric guitar with a solid Sitka spruce top and mahogany back and sides. Part of Martin's Road Series, this model blends traditional construction with modern appointments to create an excellent instrument for performing musicians.

With a comfortable high-performance neck profile, Fishman Sonitone electronics, and Martin's signature tonewood combination, the 11DCX2E-03 delivers versatile sound in an affordable package. The acoustic tone is bright and focused, while the onboard preamp and pickup make plugging in seamless. This guitar provides the best of both worlds - classic looks and playability with modern stage-ready features.

Ideal for singer-songwriters and working guitarists who want a durable, gig-ready guitar that still feels familiar. The 11DCX2E-03 may lack some bells and whistles but nails the fundamentals, offering robust construction, easy playability, and great amplified or unplugged tone.

Body & Neck

The Martin 11DCX2E-03 has a solid Sitka spruce top, with high quality solid mahogany for the back and sides. This combination produces a guitar with excellent resonance and balanced, articulate tone.

The neck is also made from mahogany, with a smooth satin finish for comfortable playability. It has a Performing Artist taper profile that provides a slim and fast feel. The neck width is 1-3/4" at the nut, making it accessible for most players while still allowing clear fretting.

The fretboard material is Richlite, an eco-friendly composite that has a smooth feel similar to ebony. The 20 frets are mid-sized for versatility. Overall, the mahogany neck and Richlite fretboard offer a great balance of comfort, playability and rich tone.

The body and neck design contribute to the balanced tone and excellent playability that make the Martin 11DCX2E-03 a great choice. Many guitarists appreciate the traditional appearance and feel along with the plugged-in flexibility of an acoustic-electric model like this one. It's an ideal guitar for players who want classic Martin craftsmanship and sound in a stage-ready package.

For guitarists looking for a more affordable acoustic-electric option, the TARIO LC-220FL-L is a high quality guitar with great features. It has a laminate spruce top and mahogany back and sides, producing a balanced and resonant tone. The slim neck and compact body size make it very comfortable and accessible for most players.

The LC-220FL-L has a built-in tuner, EQ and preamp system that provides quality plugged-in sound through an amplifier or PA system. It's a great choice for gigging musicians who want an acoustic-electric guitar with excellent playability and electronics at a budget-friendly price point. While it may not have the prestige of a Martin, the TARIO LC-220FL-L punches above its weight class in terms of value and performance.

Electronics

The Martin D-11X2E features Fishman Sonitone electronics, which help reproduce the guitar's natural acoustic tone when plugged in. The Sonitone system uses an undersaddle pickup and preamp with discrete blending to capture the guitar's true sound.

Fishman designed the Sonitone specifically for acoustic instruments, unlike many pickups that are adapted from electric guitars. The undersaddle pickup senses the vibrations directly from the saddle for accurate string response. There's also an internal microphone mounted inside the guitar body to blend in natural resonance.

Controls on the Sonitone preamp include volume, tone, phase switch, and the blend between the undersaddle pickup and internal mic. This gives you versatility in shaping your amplified tone, allowing you to fine-tune the EQ and dial in just the right mix of direct and ambient sound. The preamp has a tuner output as well for easy tuning without sending the signal to the main output.

The Sonitone electronics reproduce the Martin D-11X2E's balanced acoustic tone faithfully when playing live or recording in the studio. The discrete mic and pickup blending provides flexibility without compromising the guitar's natural sound and resonance. Overall, the Fishman system is a nice upgrade over passive pickups for this acoustic-electric model.

If you're looking for an affordable acoustic-electric guitar, check out the Donner DAG-1CL. This model features a laminated spruce top with mahogany back and sides, producing a balanced tone across the tonal spectrum. It has a full-scale dreadnought body shape for projection and volume. The DAG-1CL comes equipped with a Donner pickup and preamp system that accurately conveys the guitar's natural acoustic characteristics when amplified. Tone controls allow you to shape the EQ to suit your needs. The guitar has a smooth satin finish and comfortable neck for easy playability. Tuning stability is provided by chrome die-cast tuners. At its budget-friendly price point, the Donner DAG-1CL packs impressive features and sound quality, making it an excellent choice for gigging musicians or beginners looking for their first acoustic-electric guitar. It delivers solid amplified tone and playability without breaking the bank.

The Donner DAG-1CL shows that you don't need to spend a fortune to get a decent acoustic-electric guitar for live performances or recording. While it may lack some of the premium appointments and finely tuned acoustic properties of pricier models, it provides impressive value at its accessible price point. The laminated wood construction gives it durability for frequent use, while the pickup and preamp system let you plug in and amplify your acoustic tone with ease. While the Martin D-11X2E certainly outperforms the DAG-1CL in areas like craftsmanship, wood selection, and rich resonance, the Donner model holds its own as a budget-friendly option for players needing amplification without compromising quality.

Evaluating your needs and budget will determine which acoustic-electric guitar is right for you. The Martin D-11X2E is ideal for those seeking top-notch wood materials and construction, premium aesthetics and appointments, and world-class acoustic tone. Players who can afford the investment will appreciate the heirloom-quality craftsmanship and beautiful sound. On the other hand, the Donner DAG-1CL is tailored for newcomers and budget-conscious musicians. It provides solid acoustic qualities and amplified performance for a fraction of the cost. While not a hand-crafted work of art, it certainly gets the job done on stage or in the studio.

The choice ultimately comes down to your playing requirements, skill level, and budget flexibility. Rest assured that both Martin and Donner offer quality acoustic-electric guitars, each optimized for different needs. Whether you seek the pinnacle of finely crafted acoustic sound or an affordable workhorse guitar to plug in, brands like these have options to suit your style.

Playability

The Martin 11DCX2E-03 acoustic-electric guitar features a modified low oval neck shape that provides excellent comfort and playability. The neck has a smooth satin finish that makes it easy to move up and down the fretboard during faster solos or riffs. The neck width measures 1-3/4" at the nut, which gives a good balance between space for fingering chords and scale runs while not being overly large.

The fingerboard itself is made of solid Morado or East Indian Rosewood which has a dense, tight grain that enhances its durability. It's topped with 20 frets and a 25.4" scale length that lends itself well for playing rhythm and lead in numerous styles. The smooth rosewood feels very comfortable against the hand, making it easy to play for long periods without fatigue.

Overall, the modified low oval neck shape, quality rosewood fretboard, and smooth satin neck finish make this an extremely playable and comfortable guitar suitable for various techniques and playing styles. The feel of the neck and fretboard promote versatility, fast playability, and a premium playing experience.

Sound

The Martin 11DX2E-03 has a well-balanced tone across the frequency range that suits a wide variety of musical genres. The sound projects very well, filling a room with rich and articulate tones.

The mahogany body and solid Sitka spruce top produce warm lows, balanced mids, and crisp highs. There is great tonal balance between the strings, allowing for complex chords to ring out with clarity. The guitar has impressive sustain and resonance.

Strumming produces full chords with warmth and body. Picking individual notes rings out with precision. The sound is clear and balanced when playing up the neck. Notes have a pleasing decay and chime.

The responsive X-scalloped bracing allows the top to vibrate freely, producing very good resonance and volume. This guitar can easily hold its own unplugged with other acoustic instruments. The projecting sound is great for vocal accompaniment.

Overall, the 11DX2E-03 has a warm, balanced tone across the registers. The guitar sounds very natural and responsive when played unplugged. The versatile sound excels in various playing styles from delicate fingerpicking to aggressive strumming.

Pros

Martin’s reputation for quality craftsmanship shines through with the 11DCX2E-03. The solid Sitka spruce top and laminated mahogany pattern high-pressure laminate (HPL) back and sides make for a guitar that is built to last.

The neck is also constructed from laminated mahogany HPL, providing stability and durability over time. The Richlite fingerboard and bridge hold up well under heavy playing. The 11DCX2E-03 feels solid and sturdy in your hands.

The fit and finish are excellent, with tight seams, clean binding, and a flawless high-gloss finish. Attention to detail is evident throughout. Martin's expertise in acoustic guitar construction results in an instrument with quality materials and time-tested design.

The 11DCX2E-03 sounds open and responsive unplugged, while the Fishman MX-T electronics provide natural amplified tones. For players wanting Martin's acclaimed craftsmanship and tone in a stage-ready acoustic-electric, the 11DCX2E-03 is an excellent option.

Cons

The Martin 11DCX2E-03 does come at a higher price point, which may put it out of reach for some players. While still reasonably affordable for a solid wood acoustic-electric guitar, it retails for around $1,600. Players with more limited budgets may want to consider one of Martin's lower-priced models or other acoustic-electric options.

The guitar's electronics could also stand to be improved. It features Fishman's Sonitone electronics, which get the job done for basic amplifying and effects. However, the preamp controls are fairly simple, with just volume, bass, mid, and treble knobs. Players wanting more advanced preamps with notch filters, blend controls, and other features will need to look elsewhere. The pickup and preamp deliver decent plugged-in tones, but lack some of the nuance and richness you can find in higher-end acoustic-electric systems.

Overall, while the 11DCX2E-03 carries a premium price tag, it may leave some players wanting more when it comes to the guitar's electronics and preamp. However, this is balanced out by the instrument's excellent playability, construction, and acoustic sound.

Who It's For

The Martin DCX2E Acoustic-Electric Guitar is ideal for intermediate to advanced level players looking for a high-quality acoustic-electric guitar to play plugged in or unplugged.

With its solid Indian rosewood back and sides and solid Sitka spruce top, this guitar produces full, rich acoustic tone when played unplugged. The Fishman Sonitone electronics with an undersaddle pickup and discrete soundhole mounted preamp allow you to plug in for amplified performances while retaining the warm, natural acoustic sound.

The DCX2E's comfortable body size, low action, and slim taper neck make it very playable for more experienced guitarists. The quality tonewoods provide excellent resonance, projection, and dynamics well-suited to fingerstyle playing. The cutaway body allows easy access to upper frets for advanced soloing.

Overall, this Martin is a versatile acoustic-electric that offers the premium build quality, rich sound, and comfortable playability that intermediate to pro-level players expect from the venerable Martin brand. It's a worthy investment for serious guitarists who want a guitar that excels both on stage plugged in and in the studio unplugged.

Alternatives

The Martin 11DCX2E-03 sits in a competitive part of the market with many quality acoustic-electric options. Here's how it compares to some other popular models:

Taylor 114ce

Taylor's 114ce is another excellent mid-priced acoustic-electric with solid spruce and layered rosewood back and sides. It has a slightly smaller body shape than the Martin, which some players may prefer. The Taylor has their ES2 pickup system, producing a balanced acoustic tone. The playability is very smooth, though the neck may be slimmer than some Martin fans like. Overall an outstanding guitar, often coming down to player preference on body shape and neck profile.

Gibson Hummingbird Studio

Gibson's legendary Hummingbird model offers a nice alternative in this price range. The Hummingbird Studio has a solid spruce top with mahogany back and sides, producing a warm, full tone. It uses the popular LR Baggs pickup system paired with a preamp. The neck is slimmer than a traditional Hummingbird, making it easier for some players to handle. The downside is Gibson cut some corners to hit this price point, like using laminate instead of real wood binding. But it's still an excellent playing and sounding acoustic-electric.

Yamaha A5R ARE

For players wanting a more affordable option, the Yamaha A5R ARE is an excellent choice at nearly half the price of the Martin. It has a solid Engelmann spruce top and rosewood back and sides. The pickup and preamp system provides a very natural acoustic tone. The playability is smooth and comfortable. While not at the same premium level as the Martin, the Yamaha A5R ARE punches well above its weight class.

Conclusion

Overall, the Martin 11DCX2E-03 is an excellent acoustic-electric guitar that offers great performance and value. With its solid spruce top and rosewood body, the 11DCX2E produces rich, detailed acoustic tone and impressive volume and projection. The Fishman Sonitone electronics accurately capture the guitar's natural sound and provide plug-and-play convenience for amplified situations.

While not as affordable as some entry-level models, the 11DCX2E-03 is built to Martin's high standards with premium tonewoods and appointments. The playability is very comfortable right out of the box, with a smooth neck, slim profile body, and easy-playing neck width. The hybrid X-bracing contributes to the guitar's excellent resonance and dynamic range.

For intermediate to advanced players looking for a quality acoustic-electric with traditional styling, the Martin 11DCX2E-03 is an excellent choice. It provides versatile acoustic and plugged-in performance in a professionally crafted and great sounding instrument. While not inexpensive, this Martin represents a solid value for a North American made acoustic-electric of this caliber. Overall, the 11DCX2E-03 excels in tone, playability, electronics, and build quality, making it a compelling option for discerning players.